July 29 | Disciples Have Blessed Families

Series | The Life of Discipleship

Scripture | 1 Timothy 3:4, “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.”

Lesson 29 | Disciples Have Blessed Families

The nature of God can be seen in a healthy family when there is a mother and father that work together as one and the children are obedient to their parents. This working together is like how the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) work together as one, with different roles, in their creation.

First, when the husband and wife work together as one, with different roles, they display the perfect nature of God to their children.  If Mom and Dad both humbly serve God and each other, then nothing can separate them or tear them apart!  The marriage that is built on the Word of God will last.    

Second, when the children in the family obey their parents it reflects the way we as God’s children are to obey our heavenly Father.  If a disciple’s home is out of order and the children don’t obey the parents this sets a bad example to the world because outsiders may think either, (a) Christian children are rebellious or (b) God, our heavenly Father, really doesn’t expect us to always obey him.

In turn, God commanded all His disciples to have a blessed family- Mom and Dad lovingly raising their children as a unified team.  Hence, Paul wrote in the verse above that if disciples didn't have “their family” in order, then they couldn’t be trusted with leading “God’s family” (i.e., “the church”). 

Therefore, make every effort to manage and lead your family in a way that not only blesses everyone in your family, but also is an example to those in the world.  And if you’re single or coming from a broken family follow God’s Word all the more and let Him direct your paths!  

Reflection | What is your family life like?

Action | (1) Repent if you have not always managed or served your family like Christ does the church. (2) Start following all of God’s commands for the family and set the example for the rest of your family to follow. (3) Lastly, pray and ask the Lord to conform and unify each person in your family to His Word.   

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | 2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28, Romans 12:1-21, Psalm 22:19-31, & Proverbs 20:8-10. Click here to read online.